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As Fernando Mendoza prepares to be the No. 1 overall pick of the Las Vegas Raiders, he'll also take on another role outside of football. The Mendoza Family Foundation has been established to help fight Multiple sclerosis and the many overwhelming symptoms.
The former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback will be credited as the founder of the organization. Fernando's mom, Elsa, was diagnosed with the chronic disease in 2008 and has been fighting ever since. The often disabling autoimmune disease attacks the central nervous system and causes an array of issues, including severe pain, blindness, and lack of function.
Mendoza has given over $500,000 to the National MS Society, but this latest step takes his battle to an even more personal level. He'll be at home in Miami to celebrate with his parents during Thursday night's 2026 NFL Draft.
“Pittsburgh is a great opportunity, and it’s a great venue, and I’m really excited to see all the guys or most of the guys walk across the stage on Thursday night,” he told Rich Eisen on SportsCenter on April 20. “However, my mom really wanted to do it at home and so did my parents, it’s a lot easier for us, especially with the family situation.”
More: Indiana Hoosiers 2026 NFL Draft tracker live updates, best available and reactions
The Hoosiers Heisman Trophy winner led Indiana to a first-ever national championship in January, and is expected to be the first No. 1 pick for the school in the modern era.
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